Packaging

Walkis printing machine investment in Pietarsaari answers to high demand for fibre-based packaging

Wednesday 18. May 2022 - The demand for fibre-based packaging is growing rapidly. To answer to this demand Walki has invested in a state-of-the-art printing machine in Pietarsaari, that provides high-quality prints for fibre-based packaging solutions.

Walki has made a significant investment in its Pietarsaari plant by purchasing a 10-colour flexographic printing press. The new 10-colour flexographic printing press enables better and more accurate printing, which is important particularly in the highly competitive food industry.
“The need for sustainable packaging is growing in the food industry. In addition to sustainability criteria, customers are also expecting high-quality, photographic printing and reproducibility,” says Petteri Pihajoki, Production Manager at the Pietarsaari plant.
Consumer brands are increasingly reducing the use of plastic and are hence looking for solutions that do not compromise food safety while still being fit for recycling in fibre streams. Walki’s fibre-based packages with high-quality printing are also suitable for the demanding frozen food segment, where the package needs to be puncture resistant and be able to withstand large varieties in temperature.
The printing machine is also suitable for heat-sealable solutions for non-food items and e-commerce packages. The printing width of the Allstein press is 1600 millimetres, which is sufficient for large packages, like corrugated cardboard packaging.
“We want to offer environmentally friendly alternatives that minimize waste in line with our mission to accelerate the world towards a zero-waste future,” Pihajoki says.
The printing technology is efficient in energy as well as in the use of colours and water.